13 August 2014

We just got back from our Hayes Family Reunion in Duck Crick (Creek), UT. We keep talking about what a great time we had. Lest I forget some of the details, a load of pictures with captions:

We're on our way. So dang early in the morning.

This is how Graham road trips: Feet up on the driver seat like it's his own personal ottoman, and he pointed/squealed at every truck we passed.

I reached back to tickle him, and another typical Graham move: he just grabbed my thumb to give it a good gnawing.

Michelle put together a bomb treasure hunt for the kids. The pot o' gold at the end was a big tub of candy and animal masks for everyone. Jude was sleep deprived and either whimpering, crying, or giving the stink eye oh about 70% of the trip, so I was not surprised when he looked at the mask with disdain (even on a good day he doesn't like things stuck tight to his face or head). Here's good old dad trying to convince him how fun it is to be a puppy. I love Jeff.

Last spring, we had an Eaton Family Reunion in this same cabin, and Jude and Ian had a merry old time chucking cans of Coke Zero off the deck. This year it was Graham's turn to hurl things off; there's Jude's boot at the bottom, and I spy with my little eye my flip-flopped foot and Graham's incriminated Batman (TM) boot.

Uncle Justin is the best teddy bear around. Graham was obsessed with his tickle fests, and I had the best time driving with him and Angie to a hike. Justin is happy, friendly, loves to tease and joke around, and it had been a long time since I'd had a good conversation with him. We love the Lewis fam!

Bryce Canyon Glory! Jude: "Daddy. Don't go down there." "Ok, Jude."

This gave me anxiety.

There was a big tub of toys. Jude was incensed that there were no trains in there. How dare they. HA! But he improvised, fell in love with a toy doctor kit, and then there was this gross motor skills toy meant for an infant that pretty much all the kids played with and adored. ???

See? Here's Graham having his millionth go at it. And he's holding his extreeeeemely healthy smoothie made by Aunt Erica; he had 3 servings. This was nice because I think at that point everyone else had thrown healthy eating out the door.

Graham found flashlight. Score.

Graham totally posing for Aunt Michelle -- hilarious!

I would use this for my Christmas Card. Thanks for this gem, Michelle!

When Jude wasn't with Lizzie Bear, he was asking (whining) for Lizzie Bear.

I am obsessed with this little imp.

And all too quickly it was time to go home. In parting, I shall inform you of the blow out diaper that rendered Graham's onesie unwearable. Nothing gives me more delight as a mother than wandering around Whiskey Pete's gas station food mart waiting for Jeff to finish his potty break, holding your tot that's only wearing a diaper, and trying to keep your 3-year-old close at hand. Until next time, Hayes fam!